Healthy recipes with omega-3-rich walnuts

Michele Borboa, MS is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health, fitness, food, lifestyle, and pets. Michele is a health and wellness expert, personal chef, cookbook author, and pet-lover based in Bozeman, Montana. She is also...

Walnut recipes high in omega-3s

March is National Nutrition Month, giving you an opportunity to use the month as a jumpstart for a year-long habit of healthier eating (or to revive those New Year's diet resolutions). One way Americans are improving their diets is with walnuts. A study polling grocery shoppers conducted by Florida-based company Rose Research reports that consumers who are concerned about their health and the food they eat view walnuts as healthy, with nearly three-quarters of them buying walnuts for the omega-3 content and associated health benefits. Here are some omega-3-rich recipes featuring this healthy nut.

Health benefits of walnuts

Walnuts – like many other nuts – are chockfull of healthy fats associated with heart health, reported to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stroke. Studies show that walnuts can also reduce your risk of depression and obesity.

Walnuts offer stellar nutrition

A one-ounce serving, about 1/4-cup shelled walnut halves, provides about 180 calories, 18 grams of fat (16 grams being healthy unsaturated fats), 2 grams of fiber, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. Walnuts are a good source of copper, iron, potassium and magnesium. They also contain three percent of your recommended daily intake for calcium and are cholesterol-free.

Healthy walnut recipes

Walnuts are easy to incorporate into every meal.

Blueberry Walnut Scones

Makes 12

These hearty scones are a quick breakfast you can take on the go or bake for a leisure weekend breakfast. You can find dried blueberries at natural foods stores or next to the raisins and other dried fruit at most supermarkets. Add a 1/2 cup of cocoa nibs for a chocolaty treat.

2. Lightly beat buttermilk and egg together. Stir into flour mixture just until evenly combined. Divide dough in half and form each half into a disk. Use a pastry cutter or sharp knife to cut each disk into 6 triangles. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until scones are cooked through. Cool on a wire rack.

Walnut Quinoa Salad

Serves 4 to 6

This is one of those versatile dishes that can be enjoyed any time of day. Enjoy a bowl for breakfast as a change-up from your usual oatmeal, have it for lunch in place of a sandwich, and serve it as a side-dish for your dinner entrée.

Directions: 1. Toast quinoa in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until the grains begin to pop. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar and orange zest. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer quinoa to the bowl and toss to coat. Add remaining ingredients and toss to combine. Adjust seasonings to your liking and serve.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, place fillets in skillet and cook, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully turn with a spatula and cook, covered, for 3 to 4 more minutes or until fish is cooked through and just flakes when pressed with the back of a fork.